Ladies Hockey

October 15 2024

Match Report – Ladies 2 vs Aylesbury 3s

MATCH REPORT Ladies 2 vs Aylesbury 3s

On a rainy, early Saturday morning, the Ladies 2s took on Aylesbury 3s. The spirits were high as a great warm up and inspiring team talk set the stage for an electrifying match.

From the whistle, Wootton took control on their home turf, quickly creating attacking opportunities. The first break through came early in the game when Rachael netted a goal from a well-executed penalty corner routine, finding herself perfectly positioned at the back post. Riding the momentum, Jess won another penalty corner just seconds later and the same routine led to a second goal from Rachael, further boosting Wootton’s confidence. Minutes later, Amber joined the scoring frenzy after slotting the ball into the goal making it 3-0 to Wanderers within the first 10 minutes.

The mighty wanderers were beaming with confidence, launching strong attacks and dictating the pace of the game. The girls went into the break 3-0 up and a tactical team talk coupled with some sweet treats fired up the girls for a thrilling second half.

The second half mirrored the first with Aime taking charge and executing Wootton’s lead to 4-0. However Aylesbury seized their chances and managed to score from a short corner to lift the score to 4-1. Despite conceding, Wootton refused to let their heads drop and they continued to fight hard for a fifth goal whilst the midfield were dominating and making use of every player to create scoring chances. Penalty corners were awarded but Wootton were unfortunate to miss the mark by a narrow margin. Luce hit the post and the girls continuously tested the Aylesbury keeper with quick shots on goal.

As time ran out, Wootton left the turf with a 4-1 win.

Player of the match was awarded to young Emily, who delivered an outstanding performance and made a significant positive impact on the game.

Player of the Match Emily

Emily who delivered an outstanding performance and made a significant positive impact on the game.

October 14 2024

Match Report – L1 vs Milton Keynes 2

Jessica Knights L1, Ladies Hockey 0

MATCH REPORT Ladies 1 vs Milton Keynes 2

This Saturday, the L1s welcomed MK L2s at home, a local team we had played during preseason. We knew what we were facing, and with the rain coming over, we set ourselves up for a strong game.

The beginning of the fixture saw some end-to-end play, with Wanderers needing to get used to the new pitch in the wet conditions. The game started to flow in the Wanderers’ direction, and the ladies had many attempts on goal, but they couldn’t quite find the net. MK made their way down the pitch, but the defence did well to keep their attackers at bay.

At halftime, the score was 0-0. We knew this wasn’t the standard we had been playing at recently and that we needed to up our game. The ladies had to switch on to turn the tables in their favor.

As instructed, the Wanderers increased their pressure and got closer to finding that first goal. After a lot of patience, during a short corner, the ball found its way to Sophie, who, in her usual style, smashed the ball at the goal. It took a touch from the opposition keeper, but nothing could stop the force of her shot. Finally, it was 1-0 to the Wanderers. The team set up many more short corners, not quite finding that second goal. However, Mason set herself up on a perfectly practiced short corner, slipping the ball left and receiving it again at the P-spot. She reverse-flicked it through the defence, making it 2-0.

MK had a few breaks with the ball, but between GK Jade and the workaholics in the backline, the team kept a clean sheet!

The final score was 2-0, and this week’s MOM was Abbie for her excellent play at the back.

Player of the match Abbie McDowell

Abbie for her excellent play at the back.

October 6 2024

Match Report – L2 vs Abingdon 2

Annabel Murphy L2, Ladies Hockey

MATCH REPORT L2 vs Abingdon 2

We arrived at Tilsley Park ready and raring to go, buzzing with excitement and energy. After an inspiring team talk from captain Chloe, the squad felt united and eager to get the game underway.

The first half saw a strong opening attack from Abingdon, but our defence stood firm. Chloe was outstanding in goal, pulling off some incredible saves to keep the opposition at bay. Rachel, Carman, and Gill made some brilliant runs, helping us gain ground and push forward. Amber showed off her skill and determination, successfully getting the ball into the dee and keeping the pressure on Abingdon. Despite the back-and-forth action, the score at half-time remained 0-0, setting up an intense second half.

When the second half kicked off, we came out fighting, determined to turn the game in our favor. However, Abingdon upped their intensity and began pressing us hard. Despite some heroic goalkeeping from Chloe and a last-ditch clearance off the line by Jackie, Abingdon managed to score a tap-in, breaking the deadlock.

We didn’t let our heads drop and responded with more strong runs down the wings, but Abingdon capitalized on a short corner to extend their lead. Although we fought until the final whistle, the game ended 5-0 in their favor.

Despite the scoreline, there were standout performances across the team. Chloe’s series of phenomenal saves and Jackie’s crucial goal-line clearance deserve special mention. Player of the match went to Carman for her tireless runs down the wing and her constant hard work throughout the game.

Player of the match Carmen Thornton

Carman for her tireless runs down the wing and her constant hard work throughout the game.

October 6 2024

Match Report – L1 vs Banbury 2

Annabel Murphy L1, Ladies Hockey 0

MATCH REPORT Ladies 1 vs Banbury 2

Ladies 1s had a late pushback this weekend in the still surprisingly warm October sun, and the opposition was Banbury. We had the usual chatter in the pavilion, not knowing what to expect and certainly not anticipating the busy day up front we were about to face.

The Wanderers set up early, applied pressure, and set the scene with some well-executed positional play. First on the scoresheet this week was Sophie, with not one, but three goals in quick succession. Her first two goals could only be described as “jammy,” with both taking deflections off Banbury’s players to find their way to the backboard. The third was a Sophie special at a short corner, where she took no chances and smashed it from the top of the D straight into the goal.

Next up was Stabby, who clearly paid attention during training. Annie and Easty did the hard work, getting the ball down the line and into the D, and Stabby perfectly positioned her stick to deflect it neatly into the bottom left corner.

Easty wanted a piece of the action for herself. After setting up the first few goals for the forwards, she picked up the ball in the D and smoothly spun around to flick it into the back netting.

The 6th goal was a battle up front, with everyone wanting to claim it, but the cheeky Stabby once again got her stick in just the right place to slot the ball into the net, stealing the goal from Easty.

Although Sophie already had a hat-trick to her name, she was hungry for more, looking to rack up her tally before leaving us at Christmas. Her 4th goal was another powerful strike that smashed into the net, and her 5th was a quick steal from an excellent pass, sneaking it past the Banbury defenders.

Although the focus was on the forwards and their scoring this week, we must not forget the rest of the team. The defence worked hard to keep a clean sheet, staying strong at the back and keeping the attackers at bay.

MOM this week was Millie for her work at the back.

Player of the match Millie Beesley

For her work at the back

October 4 2024

Match Report – L1 vs Reading

Annabel Murphy L1, Ladies Hockey

Match Report L1 vs Reading

The L1s had their first away day of the year, making their way through the Chilterns to a surprisingly warm Reading HC to play against their L5s.

The beginning of the game was very balanced, with opportunities at both ends.
However, the first to gain an advantage was the mighty Wanderers, thanks to Frankie, who wellied the ball past the keeper with no mercy!

Reading came back hard, putting a lot of pressure on the defensive line until they leveled the score with a well-worked penalty corner. It was 1-1 as the half-time whistle blew.

At half-time, the team wanted to focus on working around the opposition and retaining possession. With the ball in hand, we knew we had the upper hand, and there were strong mentions of the good work being done at the back, which definitely didn’t boost a few egos in the team. 😉

The start of the second half was very similar to the first, with both teams working hard up and down the pitch. Unfortunately, the first to crack under the pressure was WWHC… Reading capitalised on a break with multiple attackers thundering their way down the pitch, slipping one under Jade and into the goal. 2-1 to Reading, but Wootton wasn’t going to sit back just yet!

Putting in the work, the girls up top scrambled around the goal line, hounding the Reading GK until young Ellie once again managed to sneak one in on the right post. The score was level! 2-2

Wanderers wanted the win, and the whole team worked exceptionally hard. The player to claim the last goal glory was Sophie. After calmly receiving a bobbly long ball, she dribbled her way around the defence and cracked the ball into the bottom left of the goal, making the final score 3-2 to WWHC L1s!!

MOM – Annie, once again, for her constant hard work in midfield.

Player of the Match Annie

For her constant hard work in midfield.

September 22 2024

Match Report – L4 vs Bicester 3

Annabel Murphy L4, Ladies Hockey

MATCH REPORT L4 vs Bicester 3

The ladies 4s assembled in Bicester with a bare 11 players after a gruesome drive over to Bicester through thunder & lightning & torrential rain.

Captain Lizz delivered a motivating team talk for the girls and railed around as they do and performed extremely well for their first league game.

Wootton managed to keep a strong Bicester side at bay as the score remained untouched at half-time.

In the second half, further assault to Wanderers began in their defensive D but with determination and effort from every single player, Wanderers managed to score through a great attack from Felicity, Carly, Freyja and Lana.

Bicester soon continued their onslaught and put a goal away to level the score to 1-1. Further outstanding play continued for the girls with the defence , anchored by Keeper Sarah, until the last 10 minutes when injuries occurred, the opposition put 3 quick goals away leaving the scoreline at 4-1 to Bicester.

Superb play by all team members, some solid strong defence by Sarah (absolute star) Lyndsey, Nicky & Lizz and relentless play by Felicity, Carly, Lana, Libby & Sinead made the game a pleasure to captain

Outstanding play by all especially GOG Freyja for her determination & grit did not go unnoticed.

Player of the match Freyja

Player of the match went to Freyja for an outstanding debut and extraordinary girt and determination

September 22 2024

Match Report – L3 vs Banbury 3

Annabel Murphy L3, Ladies Hockey

MATCH REPORT L3 vs Banbury 3

Wootton ladies 3 travelled away to Banbury for their match and quickly took control.

After being fouled on the halfway line Julie took a quick free hit and spotting Lily-May’s run passed the ball to her where after outpacing Banbury’s defence she rounded the keeper to slot home.

The next Wootton goal came soon after when after good attacking play Julie lifted a reverse stick strike past Banbury’s keeper.

Wootton’s 3rd goal came after Trudy’s ball forward to Julie, who rounded defenders before passing to the on rushing Jodie who neatly lifted the ball into the goal.

Julie scored another goal from a tight angle putting Wootton 4-0 up at the break.

Banbury rallied after half time and got 2 quick goals, Wootton didn’t panic and got another two goals in the 2nd half, one after a great run down the wing from Jodie who pulled the ball back for Julie to finish, and the last one after Jackie spotted a run from Julie and smashed a free hit to her which she put away using her reverse.

The player of the match was Jodie for her tireless runs in the midfield.

Player of the Match Jodie

Player of the match was Jodie for her tireless runs in the midfield.

September 22 2024

Match Report – L2 v Aylesbury 3

Jessica Knights L2, Ladies Hockey

MATCH REPORT L2 v Kidlington

On a rainy, early Saturday morning, the Ladies 2s took on Aylesbury 3s. The spirits were high as a great warm up and inspiring team talk set the stage for an electrifying match.

As time ran out, Wootton left the turf with a 4-1 win.

Player of the match was awarded to young Emily, who delivered an outstanding performance and made a significant positive impact on the game.

Player of the Match Mollie

Young Emily, who delivered an outstanding performance and made a significant positive impact on the game.

September 22 2024

Match Report – L1 v Henley

Jessica Knights L1, Ladies Hockey

MATCH REPORT L1 v Henley

It was officially match one of the L1s’ 24/25 season in their new Division 3 league, facing Henley L2s. After expecting rain, the ladies turned up to a warm morning game with positive attitudes and raring to go on the newly laid pitch.

The game started well. Wootton put the pressure on early and made some strong advances into Henley’s D; however, the opposition didn’t take this lightly and showed us what kind of hockey was being played at a higher level. The team did well to keep Henley at bay with some strong defensive play and swift diving left and right from keeper Jade. But after a small mistake at the back, Henley capitalised and found the back of the net over the defender’s shoulder, making it 1-0 to the visitors.

At half-time, the key improvement was to steer clear of danger, trust each other, and pass our way around the opposition. As the second half started, we did just that.

Within minutes, young Ellie used her quick legs to dance her way around the defenders, staying calm and controlled, slotting the ball past the keeper and into the goal. We kept up the tempo, riding high on our early equaliser, and at a short corner, after some bouncing around from Easty and Ellie, Liv M smashed the ball in to make it 2-1 to Wanderers.

The one-goal advantage was nice, but we knew we needed an extra goal to give us a comfortable safety net. So, with that in mind, Stabby and Easty linked up in midfield, making their way up the pitch before Stabby got the final touch and snuck the ball through Henley’s defence once again.

With the 3-1 advantage, Henley dug into their reserves and came back strong, hounding the defence with attack after attack. Although the Wanderers stayed strong and calm, Henley managed to clinch a last-second goal to make the final score 3-2.

MOM – Annie, for her constant hard work in midfield.

Player of the Match Annie

Player of the match went to Annie for her consistent work in midfield.

July 3 2024

Match Report – L4 v Aylesbury

Vicky Mowbray L4, Ladies Hockey

MATCH REPORT L4 v Aylesbury

L4 v Aylesbury 14/04/24
Ladies 4s arrived on a hot day in Aylesbury with only ten players as they hoped to continue their unbeaten run.
Their attacking mindset paid off immediately when in the first minute, Julie cut out a pass from their defence before driving into the circle, rounding a defender and smashing the ball into the goal, putting them 1-0 up.
Wootton could have scored again with one short corner saved on the line and another just going past the wrong side of the post.

Tireless work from Sophie and Sally in midfield, and pressure in the forward line from Lily-May meant that Wootton dominated and they regained the lead after a strong run from Julie from the half way line ended up with a reverse stick shot into the bottom corner of the goal. This was soon followed by another, this time a well dragged out short corner from Amy was dispatched firmly into the goal by Julie, completing a first half hat-trick.
Wootton went into the half time break 3-1 up.
Aylesbury came out hard in the second half and stretched the game with big hits from their defence but these came to nothing thanks to the experienced Wootton defensive trio of Katie, Mandy and Steph, and they rarely made it into Wootton’s defensive circle.
Another short corner gave Wootton the breakthrough in the second half, when Amy was there to pounce on the goalkeepers save and confidently slot the ball into the goal. It was another short corner that provided Wootton’s fifth goal with another straight strike from Julie.
Lily-May’s hard work paid off when Wootton broke and she was there to dispatch a pass from Julie past a helpless keeper. The final goal of the game came when Sally intercepted a defensive clearance and with quick thinking passed the ball to Julie who was able to dink the ball over the defenders stick before lifting a powerful shot, into the net.
Final score 7-1 player of the match Julie.

Player of the Match Julie

Goal machine Julie was named the Player of the Match for her outstanding performance.